From a Canine Life to the Western Pure Land
An Interview with Bao Bao, the Beloved Companion of Lay Practitioner Wang Hong
Recorded by Shi Faxi on September 15, 2023
This is a record of an interview with Bao Bao, a female dog who was cared for by Lay Practitioner Wang Hong in 1992. She sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia and now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on September 15, 2023.
Bao Bao speaks:
"Woof! Woof! Woof-woof-woof!" (Bao Bao the barks joyfully, wagging her tail and circling several times before transforming into a woman of dignified appearance.)
"Namo Amituofo. I am deeply grateful to Practitioner Su and the monastics for giving me this opportunity today to leave a message for my family. I believe they are thinking of me just as I am thinking of them.
The Long Shadow of Suffering
I am Bao Bao. Even though so many years have passed since I left the human world, I remained trapped in pain. That final day, the agony inflicted upon me caused me to suffer for such a long time. My heart was filled with resentment, and I did not know how I could ever find liberation. I was all alone, struggling to hold on amidst that endless suffering.
I never imagined that a day of liberation would actually arrive for me. When that brilliant light shone upon me, my body suddenly stopped hurting. Then, I was gently placed upon a lotus seat. I listened to the chanting of the Buddha-name for a very long time, which purified my Body-Mind-Spirit. Finally, I experienced a sudden . I realised that I was no longer that white and yellow-spotted dog.
The Truth of
I saw that in my past lives, I had been many different types of dogs. Because I had done evil deeds in the past—stealing food from others and causing their deaths—it was my turn in this life to be harmed and killed by others. Seeing these events, I understood the laws of and cause and effect. As I witnessed this, my heart naturally ached. I realised how bitter and painful the cycle of rebirth truly is. I longed so deeply for liberation, so I began to make vows to the Buddha. I prayed that I might soon be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and today, that wish has finally been fulfilled.
A Message to My Family
I want to leave a message for my family in the world: 'I am no longer a dog; I have returned to a human form. I am so grateful for the care you gave me in the past, and I will forever hold that gratitude in my heart. Although the time we spent together was not long, I truly regarded you as my dearest family, and I miss you all so much. Now, I have arrived in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I know that you will come here in the future, and I will be waiting for you. This place is so beautiful—there are vast grasslands, towering mountains, and flowing waters, just like our home in the past.
I will wait for you to return. I am also grateful to Practitioner Su for helping me shed my canine body so that I could regain my human form. I will now diligently chant the Buddha-name and follow the Buddha in my practice. I must say goodbye to everyone now. In the future, we shall all meet again in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.'
Namo Amituofo.
Bao Bao bows her head.
More from Interviews with Pets & Animal Companions
A Bond Beyond the Human Form
A touching testimonial from Ximi, a dog who transitioned from a beloved pet to a Bodhisattva in the Western Pure Land, revealing a past-life connection with his owner and the profound grace of Namo Amituofo.
The Liberation of Miaoyin: From a Rabbit to the Western Land
A touching account of a spirit who, after being delivered from the form of a pet rabbit, finds peace, releases karmic resentment, and attains rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Journey of a Faithful Soul
A touching testimonial from Miaoyin, a dog who, after countless lifetimes of suffering in the cycle of rebirth, was finally delivered to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss through the compassion of Practitioner Su.
From Canine Rebirth to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss
Amu Wangzai, the dog of Lay Practitioner Wang Hong, shares his journey from the depths of the animal realm to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, revealing a profound karmic connection spanning lifetimes.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library